NFL Head Coaching Carousel: Who should go where?
With the NFL 2021-2022 regular season ending, there are several head coaching openings that teams will be looking to fill. Those fired this year include:
David Culley, Texans (4-13)
Joe Judge, Giants (10-23)
Brian Flores, Dolphins (24-25)
Matt Nagy, Bears (34-21)
Mike Zimmer, Vikings (74-59-1)
Vic Fangio, Broncos (19-30)
Urban Meyer, Jaguars (2-11)
Jon Gruden, Raiders (22-31, Resigned)
However, the pool of coaching candidates is strong, and here are some options each team should consider during this hiring period.
Houston Texans
Head Coach: Brian Flores, Former Dolphins Head Coach
Offensive Coordinator: Pep Hamilton, Current Texans QB Coach/Passing Game Coordinator
Defensive Coordinator: Jerod Mayo, Current Patriots LB Coach
The Texans parted ways with Culley, ending his mere 17-game tenure for the franchise. This move came despite signs of life in a season with very low expectations. However, this may prove beneficial if the Texans can make the right off-season decisions. Former Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores is my pick for the team, and the connections exist for this to be plausible. There has been talk about Flores and Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson teaming up, and last year many speculated a Watson to Miami trade. While there are still extenuating circumstances off the field for Watson, this pairing can come to fruition with this off-season with this hire. Additionally, Flores shares a New England Patriots background with Texans’ General Manager Nick Caserio. Jerod Mayo, also with a Patriots history, will likely be an NFL head coach in the future, but some time under Brian Flores as a coordinator may come first.
New York Giants
Head Coach: Brian Daboll, Current Bills Offensive Coordinator
Offensive Coordinator: Jim Caldwell, Former Lions Head Coach
Defensive Coordinator: Patrick Graham, Current Giants Defensive Coordinator
The Giants moved on from Joe Judge, a tenure largely marked by failure. It will be interesting to see how much more time Daniel Jones will get to prove he is the quarterback of the future, but hiring the coordinator who oversaw Josh Allen’s development would seem to better his chances. Daboll has no previous head coaching experience, so an experienced support staff could help his cause. In the time of producing this article, Bills’ Assistant GM Joe Schoen has been announced as likely the next GM of the Giants, could Daboll be next?
Miami Dolphins
Head Coach: Bill O’Brien, Former Texans Head Coach
Offensive Coordinator: Doug Marrone, Former Jaguars Head Coach
Defensive Coordinator: Romeo Crennel, Current Texans Advisor
I am not convinced moving on from Flores was the best decision. Still, the Dolphins will be best served to replace him with experienced offensive-minded coaches to help develop their young players. Two former head coaches, who spent the last year helping Alabama reach a national championship, could be the best pairing for the job.
Chicago Bears
Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh, Current Michigan Head Coach
Offensive Coordinator: Greg Roman, Current Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Defensive Coordinator: Vic Fangio, Former Broncos Head Coach
While some speculate the Jaguars may hire their former quarterback Byron Leftwich as head coach, a more exciting pairing in my eyes would be the Bears hiring their former quarterback Jim Harbaugh. He could be looking to leave Michigan on a high note, and with the chance to develop a young star like Justin Fields, and coach his old team, this opportunity could be appealing. Catering to Fields’ strengths will be important, just as in Baltimore with Lamar Jackson. Greg Roman would be an interesting addition, and would require him to depart from the Ravens and John Harbaugh. A Vic Fangio return to sure up the defense also seems like a safe and solid decision. This would be a 2011-2014 49ers reunion, an era that saw three straight NFC Championship Game appearances.
Minnesota Vikings
Head Coach: Eric Bieniemy, Current Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
Offensive Coordinator: David Culley, Former Texans Head Coach
Defensive Coordinator: Lovie Smith, Current Texans Defensive Coordinator
Bieniemy is overdue for a head coaching shot, and with the offensive weapons the Vikings have, along with the right support staff’s experience, this is a hire that can make this team a perennial playoff contender. Culley and Bieniemy last worked together under Andy Reid.
Denver Broncos
Head Coach: Nathaniel Hackett, Current Packers Offensive Coordinator
Offensive Coordinator: Luke Getsy, Current Packers QB Coach/Passing Game Coordinator
Defensive Coordinator: Wade Phillips, Former Rams Defensive Coordinator
The Broncos are one Aaron Rodgers signing away from being a true contender, and poaching the staff that oversaw a tremendous season from the Green Bay quarterback may be a smart strategic decision to lure him as well. Hackett also had success coaching a Blake Bortles offense, so even if Rodgers goes elsewhere, this ensemble is positioned for success. The defense has the players to succeed, and the return of Wade Phillips can ensure they do.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Head Coach: Doug Pederson, Former Eagles Head Coach
Offensive Coordinator: Bobby Slowik, Current 49ers Offensive Passing Game Specialist
Defensive Coordinator: Jim Schwartz, Current Titans Defensive Assistant
The time for risks has passed for the Jaguars, as the Urban Meyer experiment failed. Pederson is a safer, more proven option having won a Super Bowl as recently as 2018. Slowik is a name that will likely be more well-known if he is to eventually replace 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who may get a head coaching opportunity very soon. Schwartz was the defensive coordinator for Pederson’s Eagles in 2018.
Las Vegas Raiders
Head Coach: Rich Bisaccia, Current Interim Raiders Head Coach
Offensive Coordinator: Ronald Curry, Current Saints QB Coach
Defensive Coordinator: Dan Quinn, Current Cowboys Defensive Coordinator
After an improbable run to the playoffs despite a season of controversy, Bisaccia has earned the right to be the Raiders’ next head coach. Having someone in the wings in case this doesn’t pan out would be wise, however, and Dan Quinn could be that someone – assuming he can improve the Raiders defense.
